Dinner in Geneva/St.Charles?

I just wanted to get an updated opinion on places to eat in the Fox Valley area. We're going to a show at Zanies in St. Charles on Friday [May 9th] and I'm looking for a decent place in the area to get dinner.

It seems like a lot of the restaurants that have been recommended on other threads have since closed --- including the restaurant I originally made a reservation at --- Fahrenheit in St. Charles! (I'm really disappointed about this; they were highly publicized in Chicago magazine as being similar in concept to Vie, and their menu looked great. But, enough lamenting over spilt milk...)

I'd be interested in something similar to that -- fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, well-prepared, good service, etc.

There are a few places I've gathered are still open (I think) and have garnered good reviews:

- Bien Trucha [Regional Mexican]
- Isabella's Estiatorio [Upscale Mediterranean]
- Villa Verone [Regional Italian]
- Wildwood [Steak/Seafood]

Am I missing any places? Is there any place that particularly stands above the crowd in quality? I just want a decent experience, really. Is that too much to ask?

First off, thanks for the news about Fahrenheit, I hadn't tried it yet and it was on my list. I think it was a little too pricey in a market that is already saturated. The others on your list are all open. I know several people who like Wildwood a lot, I haven't been because I have handicap access issues. Isabella's is stellar with a seasonal menu that leans towards Mediterranean. The food and service have been excellant each time I have gone. I haven't been to Villa Verone since the time we we insulted by a very rude waiter! Bien Trucha is very good Mexican but it's a hole in the wall with maybe 5 tables and a few more outside on a nice day. You might want to consider Niche at 14 S. Third Street, the chef and part owner was on the old 302 West staff. All said, I think Isabella's is the most enjoyable.

Niche's menu looks fantastic, although it seems almost too ambitiously large and diversified. Have you been there at all?

I think it's between that or Isabella's for me.

I was at Niche shortly after they opened but haven't been since. The menu pretty much mirrors what they did at 302, seasonal and whatever is best that day. The chef recently prepared a dinner at the James Beard House in New York. I'd say it's 50/50 between Niche and Isabella's, you won't be disappointed by either. They are around the corner from one another so maybe check out the menu of the day at each!

I also can confirm that Niche -- while expensive -- is very good and seems to be precisely what you're looking for. I loved 302 West, and Niche seems to have taken Joel Findlay's basic formula from 302 West and successfully replicated it in a new space.

Wildwood is a steakhouse. It might be a very good steakhouse (I've been to the bar but have not eaten there), but it isn't a fine dining/gourmet restaurant on the level of Niche or Isabella's. And I would avoid Villa Verone...If you want Italian, you'd be better off with the Francesca's restaurant in downtown St. Charles.

As an aside, I'm very surprised to hear about Fahrenheit (after just seeing the Chicago Magazine feature).

Fahrenheit is closed? Wow. That was quick.

Too bad. It was on our list of places to try.

Wildwood is okay. We like sitting outside when the weather is warm.
Isabellas food is good, but something about the space inside just bugs me.

I would highly recommend Niche. I'm going off memory from about 6 months ago, but the seared foie gras appetizer and barramundi in coconut curry dish I had were both excellent. The SO had an interesting sambuca pork that was good as well. Combined with pitch perfect service from our waiter that night, it was one of my top meals of the past year.

I too would highly recommend Niche. My meal there was wonderful - well-executed with interesting flavor combinations. Service and the wine options were outstanding.

Jyoti

Well I could have merged this question with my Beef topic but this is decidedly different.

Any good places in St. Charles worth hitting? Caveats:

- no Asian (much to my chagrin)
- not overly pricey (under $20 is a good cap)

I'm thinking good pizza but am open to anything really.

Salerno's on the Fox in St. Charles has GREAT thin crust pizza. As for their other menu items, I have not heard good things so I'd stay away from them. All I've had is pizza and a few apps and I'm never disappointed. The lounge/bar is great, a flashback to the 70s. The waitresses in the bar are nice and will make you a great Grasshopper or Brandy Alexander for after dinner.

Salerno's on the Fox
320 N 2nd St
St Charles, IL 60174
(630) 584-7900

I'll echo the mention of Bien Trucha upthread. Great, inventive Mexican fare that isn't your typical greasy taco stand. Definitely worth a try if you're in the area.

Be prepared for a long wait, though: the place only has about 7 tables, so on the weekends wait times can get into the one hour-plus range. Also note that they do have renovations planned, so a phone call would be in order to make sure they're open this weekend.

Bien Trucha
410 W State St
Geneva, IL 60134
(630) 232-2665

Just a side note to this thread, Isabella's mentioned above, closed in the beginning of 2009.

thepld wrote:Salerno's on the Fox in St. Charles has GREAT thin crust pizza. As for their other menu items, I have not heard good things so I'd stay away from them. All I've had is pizza and a few apps and I'm never disappointed. The lounge/bar is great, a flashback to the 70s. The waitresses in the bar are nice and will make you a great Grasshopper or Brandy Alexander for after dinner.

Salerno's on the Fox
320 N 2nd St
St Charles, IL 60174
(630) 584-7900

Gas line fire breaks out at St. Charles eatery - http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/news ... 7115.story

Would someone please recommend a family-friendly dinner spot in Geneva, IL? My kid has a soccer game out there tomorrow night. Thanks in advance.